Damascus, SANA – The members of the new Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Wael al-Halaqi were sworn in before President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday.

In a meeting to provide directions to the Cabinet members after they were sworn in, President al-Assad said the government must provide a new vision and seek out the negativities of the previous stage in order to avoid them, despite the current circumstances in the country.

President al-Assad said the government’s success relies on earning the citizens’ trust through transparency and credibility, involving citizens on the personal and institutional levels, and respecting their minds and dignity.

The President said that the first challenge facing the government which is of primary concern to citizens is the issue of security and the war on terrorist organizations, and this issue is being addressed by the Defense Ministry and the Army and Armed Force with a high level of patriotism, resulting in remarkable successes in this field, adding that at the same time national reconciliations must continue to receive attention because they proved to be successful in several areas.

President al-Assad said that the members of the government must continue pursuing means to ensure the continuing flow of basic goods and services and keep supporting the sectors that played a vital role in Syria’s steadfastness, particularly agriculture and industry and specifically the public sector, all while continuing to develop administration, laws, and the mechanisms necessary for carrying that out.

The President also stressed the need to focus on morals and the educational and cultural process and give them the necessary attention to develop them and overcome the crisis’ effects on future generations, in addition to achieving balanced development between rural and urban areas.

President al-Assad noted that when it comes to economy, the main issue in the coming stage is reconstruction, whether in areas that have been secured after they were cleared of terrorists or in unregulated urban settlement areas, and this requires that all ministries work according to calculated plans and feasible work mechanisms, which will help kick-start the economy in these areas and have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of families.

The President pointed out that at the same time, the government must take all possible steps to realize justice, prevent monopolies, monitor prices, and combat crisis profiteers, stressing the need for the government to be decisive when it comes to combating corruption and holding the corrupt accountable, affirming that the law must never be circumvented whether for achieving personal interests or realizing others’ desire.

President al-Assad also stressed the need for focusing on administrative reform and legislative mechanisms.

For his part, Premier al-Halaqi affirmed on his own behalf and on behalf of the Cabinet members that they will work hard to provide citizens’ needs, realize their interests, and provide all that is needed to bolster the steadfastness of the Syrian people, which includes supporting the Army and Armed Forces to combat terrorism and restore security and stability to the entirety of Syria.